title: The ventral 'L' island flap. A refined model for skin flap research.
abstract: The rat has long been used as an experimental model for obtaining preliminary data in skin flap research. Unfortunately, there has been a great deal of inconsistency both in the experimental design of the skin flaps used in this animal model and in their inherent survival pattern. We have developed a ventral "L" flap based on clear anatomic landmarks that offers a number of advantages over previously described rat skin flaps including a more consistent survival pattern. This flap was elevated in 23 rats, resulting in an average necrosis of 16.7% +/- 7.6% 7 days postoperatively. Our article outlines the details of this flap's design and its use. The ventral L flap offers a refined tool for skin flap research in the rat animal model.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Freeman
authors.forename: J I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Cohen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods*